Precautions

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

If you are taking aluminum-, calcium-, or magnesium-containing antacids, iron supplements, sucralfate, or zinc, do not take them at the same time that you take this medicine. It is best to take these medicines at least 4 hours after taking sparfloxacin. These medicines may keep sparfloxacin from working properly.

Some people who take sparfloxacin may become more sensitive to sunlight than they are normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause severe sunburn; skin rash, redness, itching, or discoloration; or vision changes. When you begin taking this medicine:

Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible, while you are taking sparfloxacin and for 5 days after you stop taking sparfloxacin.

Wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.

Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. However, wearing a sun block product will not prevent a reaction to sunlight while you are taking sparfloxacin. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.

If you have a severe reaction from the sun, check with your doctor. Stay out of direct sunlight and artificial light (e.g., sunlamp, tanning bed or booth) for the next 5 days or until the reaction has stopped.

If you get a skin rash or other signs of an allergic reaction, stop taking sparfloxacin and check with your doctor.

Sparfloxacin may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert. If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.

This medicine may rarely cause inflammation or even tearing of a tendon (the cord that attaches muscles to bones). If you get sudden pain in a tendon after exercise (for example, in your ankle, back of the knee or leg, shoulder, elbow, or wrist), stop taking sparfloxacin and check with your doctor. Rest and do not exercise until the doctor has made sure that you have not injured or torn the tendon.